February 2021 Issue

Page 4 February 2021 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN By Amy Worden A Lancaster County horse rescue operator is facing more than two dozen animal cruelty charges after humane society police officers returned to her property late last year for a second time in three months and removed 95 animals, including two horses. Joanna Fleming, 45, of Peach Bottom, PA is now facing five felonies, ten misdemeanors and ten summary charges in connection with the two cruelty cases. Officers with the Pennsyl- vania SPCA, who had arrested Email: eschfence@gmail.com - Fax: -- WHOLESALE & RETAIL Phone -- Joanna Fleming More Horses Seized from Rescue Charged with Neglect Fleming in October for failing to provide veterinary care for six injured and sick horses, returned to the property in December after learning Fleming had been jailed on unrelated charges and becom- ing concerned about whether anyone was properly caring for the animals. Officers removed two horses: a 17-year- old paint cross mare, who was underweight with a shoulder abnormality and serious dental issues, and a nine-year- old, standardbred-type mare with dental issues. The other animals included dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, chickens, ducks, and pot bellied pigs. Nicole Wilson, director of humane law enforcement with the PSPCA, said she was concerned about insufficient shelter and environmental hazards for such a large number of animals kept outside and about consistent care for all the animals. In addition, a large number of animals had unaddressed medical conditions, she said. At the time Fleming was running Red Rock Horse Res- cue Rehab and Blue Starr Horse Rescue Barn, which promotes itself on Facebook as rescuing horses from auction kill pens and giving them a “second chance at life.” In October humane society police officers removed four hors- es, including a newborn foal who had to be euthanized because of the severity of an infection from an untreated wound. In all 13 of Fleming’s horses were taken in by the PSPCA and ten of the survivors have been adopted. Fleming has refused to surrender the two horses removed in December and they are being cared for at the PSPCA until the court case is adjudicated, Wilson said. “This case is proof that the Penn- sylvania SPCA works to rescue every single animal, leaving no one behind, no matter how long it takes,” said Wilson. “It is our honor to usher these animals to safety, out of harm’s way, and we are the only organization in the region that can handle large scale rescues, with so many different kinds of animals.” Fleming’s attorney in the Lancaster County public defend- er’s office did not return a call seeking comment. Fleming did not respond to an email seeking comment. Wilson said the PSPCA wants Fleming to agree to surrender all the animals and will seek a 30-year prohibition on owning animals, along with the right to inspect the property where she is living. She said they also want mental health treatment ordered by the court for Fleming as part of the sen- tencing. The felony charges were for failure to provide veterinary care for four horses removed from her property in October, including the foal who died. An additional felony was added for a Dober- man puppy that died during the December rescue. Wilson said the Fleming case underscores one important ele- ment of what constitute a “bad” rescue. “She claimed it was a rescue but she was also breeding intact male horses,” said Wilson. “Any reputable rescue will not breed horses.” Because Fleming has no prior cruelty convictions, Wilson said she may not receive jail time. Wil- son said she found Fleming’s response to the charges and refusal to surrender animals despite being unable to care for them troubling. “[Fleming] continued to double down, not only saying ‘Yeah, I saw those things, but nothing is wrong’ with the problems. And that was in the face of the results of medical treatment,” said Wilson. “Her interest in owning the animals superseded the health of ani- mals.” Fleming failed to show up for her two hearings in December and they were conducted without her. Lancaster County Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson presented testimony from two veterinarians about the condition of the animals in Fleming’s care. Two of the hearings were on the animal cruelty cases. The third hearing regarded Fleming’s alleged use of a deceased relative’s debit card to make purchases online and at convenience stores and a pizzeria, the district attorney’s office said. A status hearing on the animal cruelty cases was sched- uled in Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas for January 28. The Pennsylvania State Po- lice is asking the community for donations of horses to support its mounted patrol unit. The department maintains a stable at its training academy in Hershey and relies on donations to fill a complement of 28 horses. The animals are deployed state- wide for searches, crowd control, security, and patrol of remote areas. They also participate in pa- rades, demonstrations, and other community events. Donated horses must be geldings between the ages of five and 15 and stand between 16 hands and 18 hands tall. Draft and draft-crosses are the preferred breed. Thoroughbreds and other "hot bloods" are less desirable. Animals must have quiet, sound dispositions and be free of serious stable vices. Horses will be accepted on a 120-day trial State Police Seeks Horses basis to determine their suitabili- ty. A veterinary examination will also be performed. Since 2015, horse owners from across the commonwealth have donated 12 horses to the PSP mounted patrol unit. Nine horses completed the trial period. Donations typically come from horse owners who find the cost of ownership is becoming a financial strain or feel the animal would benefit from the mental and physical activity that comes with having a job. Upon retirement, state police horses are first offered back to their original owners. The depart- ment finds them suitable homes if the original owners are unwilling or unable to accept the animals. To arrange a donation or for more information, contact Sergeant Carrie A. Neidigh at (717) 533-3463 or cneidigh@ pa.gov. Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian.